What are the most suitable Cichlids for Community aquariums?

Auren

Auren

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If anyone can help me on this issue, based on some experience and what I have read. Some South American Cihclids (not large), and the Blood Parrot are the most suitable cichlids for community aquariums. Ok, and of course the Angelfish (keeping either one, or more than two)
 
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I have a 400 gal circular concrete pond, in the front its very shallow I would say almost 14 inches, the deeper part is 20 inches. I have rocks that form caves, there is enough space and hiding places.
 
A good community cichlid is the Ram or dwarf butterfly cichlid they only grow to about 3inches in size and are quite non-aggresive, and beautiful coloration. Kribs (or Kribensis) are very good for community tanks. Keyhole cichlids are very pretty little cichs(anbout 4 inches) they are generally quite timid though.
 
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Vato: Thanks, Ill keep those in mine, once I add the new filter to my pond.

ilovewigwams : Actually there is no window, but the pond is a concrete circular shape 300 gal pond, with a circular island in the middle (Japanese Watergarden), the deepest part is around 17 inches, and the shallowest part being 11 inches. I keep the water clear with a fluval 404 filter conected to a 40watt Uv sterilizer and an 900 gal/hr pump. I also have 750gall/hr pump creating circulation in some parts of the pond. With this i have no problem watching my fish the swim very lively around the pond, and make a very good contrast with the garden and plants, and I love it.

I also keep a couple of sumbersible heaters to keep the water at 77 F. I am planning on adding a wet dry filter, but thats in two weeks
 
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Might as well try some Discus, it looks like you have a pretty volatile group there already, things might get exciting when everything starts feeling its oats, Good luck with the pond
 
Personally I've had good luck with Jewels and Parrots with other community ( Bala sharks, Tiger Barbs etc) fish.
 
Do you have a top on the pond, Balas are rumored to be jumpers when anxious.
 
Bala's are jumpers, and skittish as well. On one hand, they would be so happy with such a large tank to swim around in and that might calm them down. On the other, they wouldn't be very good 'pond' (to the extent that this is a pond,) fish, as they would make perfect prey for ducks and herons, (we have that problem a lot in Michigan,) and they are rumored to be very fragile fish. Apparently they're very sensitive to water conditions and not very hardy...I've only had one die on me, but that's what I've heard.

In any case I wasn't recomending the Balas, only the Jewels and Parrots and citing their peaceful cooperation with my balas, ;)
 
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